China says ready to deepen ties with Pakistan in agriculture, industry, mining

BEIJING: China’s foreign minister said on Wednesday that China was willing to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in agriculture, industry and mining, as he met with his Pakistani counterpart in Tianjin, according to a Chinese statement.

China “supports Pakistan in carrying out its anti-terrorism operations” and believes Pakistan would “do its utmost” to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel, projects and institutions in Pakistan, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Pakistan’s Ishaq Dar.

During a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Dar and the Chinese foreign minister on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Tianjin, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in a bid to support regional peace, stability and development.

The two sides held wide-ranging discussions, focusing on key areas including the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and broader multilateral collaboration.

Both leaders expressed satisfaction at the depth and progress of the strategic partnership.

The two leaders also praised the strength of Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, underlining the close coordination between the two countries across multiple sectors.